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Apply for the Citizens Police Academy

Posted on Monday, November 5th, 2018

The University of Iowa Police Department, in cooperation with the Iowa City Police Department, Coralville Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff's Department, and the North Liberty Police Department, offers a Citizens Police Academy for members of the community. The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to promote a better relationship between police officers and citizens.

The Citizens Police Academy is a 10-week program, which meets one night per week, typically January through April. Past academies have had training topics such as: police officer selection and training; search and seizure; ethical issues; use of force; firearms; defensive tactics; drug investigations; bomb and SWAT team overviews; and a tour of the Johnson County Jail. Participants also ride along with officers on patrol.

We have found the Citizens Police Academy to be especially effective in enhancing communication between officers and residents. At the conclusion of the program, participants have a better understanding of the demands placed upon their police officers, while at the same time officers gain valuable insight and feedback from the people they serve.

The Annual Citizens Police Academy will meet once a week for 10 weeks, beginning Jan. 28, 2019. Applications are now available at the Iowa City Police Department and are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21, 2019.